Preparations for the launch of Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich continue at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Liftoff is now set for 21 November at 17:17 GMT (18:17 CET; 09:17 PST).

Since its arrival at the launch site at the end of September, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich has been thoroughly tested, fuelled and joined to the launch adapter. 

Sentinel-6 on its launch adapter (Credits: ESA – S. Corvaja)

 Now the satellite is ready for next step: encapsulation, which is, needless to say, a milestone during the campaign to get a satellite ready for liftoff.

Ready for encapsulation (Credits: ESA- S. Corvaja)

This means that the satellite will be sealed from view inside the two half-shells of its Falcon 9 rocket fairing, which will protect it from the thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic stresses on the ascent to space. The fairing will not open again until the mission is launched.

After removing the star tracker covers, the first half of the fairing was prepared and placed around the satellite.

Sentinel-6 being sealed in its rocket fairing (Credits: ESA–S. Corvaja)

This was an opportunity for the team to have a group photo before saying goodbye to the satellite.

Last group picture in front of the satellite (Credits: ESA)

Then after a long while the other half shell of the fairing was moved next to the satellite. The two halves of the fairing were finally closed sealing Copernicus Sentinel-6 from view.  This is always a very emotional moment for the team, who have spent many years working on the satellite and will not get to see it again.

Last glimpse to Sentinel-6 (Credits: ESA)

Now safely tucked up inside the rocket fairing, the next steps include roll out to the launch tower and fitting to the rest of the rocket.

In conclusion, all remains GREEN for the launch!

 

From the ESA Sentinel-6 launch campaign team in Vandenberg.

Read more about the Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission.